"New Zealand National Airways Corporation (NAC) was created by the post-war Labour Government nationalising all private airlines and forming the first State-owned Enterprise. During its 31 years of operation NAC was New Zealand's major domestic airline until it was merged with Air New Zealand in 1978. In its early years it also flew international routes in the South Pacific. From fabric covered de Havilland biplanes to modern Boeing jets, NAC underwent exciting change and development. The NAC staff 'family' experienced a unique era and the airline's DC-3, Dominie, Friendship, 737 and Viscount aircraft all became household names throughout New Zealand. Illustrated by many rare photographs (including early colour), this book is the first photographic and social history of NAC. From its inception in the late 1949s the airline earned an enviable reputation for efficiency and reliability. NAC served 30 cities and towns, from Kaitaia in the North to Invercargill in the South, carried more than 30 million passengers, and became a Kiwi icon as it ushered New Zealanders into the age of mass air travel."--Publisher's website.